Inviting Applications for the Rural Business Development Grant Program To Provide Technical Assistance for Rural Transportation Systems, 30102-30106 [2018-13752]
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must file a request to participate as an
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been published. Requests must be sent
to the same email or address identified
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interested person must identify the
specific issues they have interest in
discussing. During the objection
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to participate in discussions related to
issues on the agenda that they have
listed in their request to be an interested
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Responsible Official
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2200) is the responsible official who
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Decision for the Revised Malheur,
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Reviewing Officer
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Dated: May 30, 2018.
Chris French,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest
System.
[FR Doc. 2018–13792 Filed 6–26–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Inviting Applications for the Rural
Business Development Grant Program
To Provide Technical Assistance for
Rural Transportation Systems
Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
This notice is to invite
applications for grants to provide
Technical Assistance for Rural
Transportation (RT) systems under the
Rural Business Development Grant
(RBDG) to provide Technical Assistance
for RT systems and for RT systems to
Federally Recognized Native American
Tribes’ (FRNAT) (collectively
‘‘Programs’’) and the terms provided in
such funding. Successful applications
will be selected by the Agency for
funding and subsequently awarded from
funds appropriated for the RBDG
program.
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SUMMARY:
DATES: See under SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section.
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Submit applications in
paper format to the USDA Rural
Development State Office for the State
where the Project is located. A list of the
USDA Rural Development State Office
contacts can be found at: https://
www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/stateoffices.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cindy Mason at (202) 690–1433,
cindy.mason@wdc.usda.gov, and Sami
Zarour at (202) 720–9549, sami.zarour@
wdc.usda.gov, Specialty Programs
Division, Business Programs, Rural
Business-Cooperative Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, MS 3226,
Room 4204–South, Washington, DC
20250–3226, or call 202–720–1400. For
further information on this notice,
please contact the USDA Rural
Development State Office in the State in
which the applicant’s headquarters is
located.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Preface
The Agency encourages applications
that will support recommendations
made in the Rural Prosperity Task Force
report to help improve life in rural
America. www.usda.gov/ruralprosperity.
Applicants are encouraged to consider
projects that provide measurable results
in helping rural communities build
robust and sustainable economies
through strategic investments in
infrastructure, partnerships and
innovation. Key strategies include:
• Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural
America
• Developing the Rural Economy
• Harnessing Technological Innovation
• Supporting a Rural Workforce
• Improving Quality of Life
All applicants are responsible for any
expenses incurred in developing their
applications.
Overview
Solicitation Opportunity Title: Rural
Business Development Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial
Announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Number: 10.351.
Dates: Completed applications must
be received in the USDA Rural
Development State Office no later than
4:30 p.m. (local time) on September 25,
2018, to be eligible for FY 2018 grant
funding. Applications received after this
date will not be eligible for FY 2018
grant funding.
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A. Program Description
1. Purpose of the Program. The
purpose of this program is to improve
the economic conditions of Rural Areas.
2. Statutory Authority. This program
is authorized under section 310B(c) of
the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)).
Regulations are contained in 7 CFR part
4280, subpart E. The program is
administered on behalf of Rural
Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) at
the State level by the USDA Rural
Development State Offices. Assistance
provided to Rural Areas under the
program has historically included the
provision of on-site Technical
Assistance to local and regional
governments, public transit agencies,
and related nonprofit and for-profit
organizations in Rural Areas; the
development of training materials; and
the provision of necessary training
assistance to local officials and agencies
in Rural Areas.
Awards under the RBDG passenger
transportation program will be made on
a competitive basis using specific
selection criteria contained in 7 CFR
part 4280, subpart E, and in accordance
with section 310B(c) of the Consolidated
Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1932(c)). Information required to
be in the application package includes
Standard Form (SF) 424, ‘‘Application
for Federal Assistance;’’ environmental
documentation in accordance with 7
CFR part 1970, ‘‘Environmental Policies
and Procedures;’’ Scope of Work
Narrative; Income Statement; Balance
Sheet or Audit for previous 3 years; AD–
1047, ‘‘Debarment/Suspension
Certification;’’ AD–1048, ‘‘Certification
Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion;’’
AD–1049, ‘‘Certification Regarding
Drug-Free Workplace Requirements;’’
SF LLL, ‘‘Disclosure of Lobbying
Activities;’’ RD 400–1, ‘‘Equal
Opportunity Agreement;’’ RD 400–4,
‘‘Assurance Agreement;’’ and a letter
providing Board authorization to obtain
assistance. For the FRNAT grant, which
must benefit FRNATs, at least 75
percent of the benefits of the Project
must be received by members of
FRNATs. The Project that scores the
greatest number of points based on the
RBDG selection criteria and the
discretionary points will be selected for
each grant.
For the funding for Technical
Assistance for RT systems, applicants
must be qualified national organizations
with experience in providing Technical
Assistance and training to rural
communities nationwide for the
purpose of improving passenger
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transportation service or facilities. To be
considered ‘‘national,’’ RBS requires a
qualified organization to provide
evidence that it can operate RT
assistance programming nation-wide.
An entity can qualify if they can work
in partnership with other entities to
fulfill the national requirement as long
as the applicant will have ultimate
control of the grant administration. For
the funding for RT systems to FRNATs,
an entity can qualify if they can work in
partnership with other entities to
support all federally recognized tribes in
all states, as long as the applicant will
have ultimate control of the grant
administration. There is not a
requirement to use the grant funds in a
multi-State area. Grants will be made to
qualified national organizations for the
provision of Technical Assistance and
training to Rural communities for the
purpose of improving passenger
transportation services or facilities.
3. Definition of Terms. The definitions
applicable to this notice are published
at 7 CFR 4280.403.
4. Application Awards. The Agency
will review, evaluate, and score
applications received in response to this
notice based on the provisions in 7 CFR
4280, subpart E and as indicated in this
notice. However, the Agency advises all
interested parties that the applicant
bears the burden in preparing and
submitting an application in response to
this notice.
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Award: Grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2018.
Available Funds: Anyone interested
in submitting an application for funding
under this program is encouraged to
consult the Rural Development Web
Newsroom website at https://
www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/noticessolicitation-applications-nosas for
funding information.
Approximate Number of Awards: To
be determined based on the number of
qualified applications received.
Historically two awards have been
made.
Expected Amounts of Individual
Awards and Amount of Funding per
Federal Award: $500,000 and $250,000
depending on the number of applicants.
Maximum Awards: A total of
$500,000 will be awarded for technical
assistance for rural transportation
systems and a maximum of $250,000 for
FRNATs.
Award Date: Prior to September 30,
2018.
Performance Period: October 1, 2018,
through September 30, 2019.
Renewal or Supplemental Awards:
None.
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C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants.
To be considered eligible, an entity
must be a qualified national
organization serving Rural Areas as
evidenced in its organizational
documents and demonstrated
experience, per 7 CFR part 4280,
subpart E. Grants will be competitively
awarded to qualified national
organizations.
The Agency requires the following
information to make an eligibility
determination that an applicant is a
national organization. These
applications must include, but are not
limited to, the following:
(a) An original and one copy of SF
424, ‘‘Application for Federal
Assistance (for non-construction);’’
(b) Copies of applicant’s
organizational documents showing the
applicant’s legal existence and authority
to perform the activities under the grant;
(c) A proposed scope of work,
including a description of the proposed
Project, details of the proposed activities
to be accomplished and timeframes for
completion of each task, the number of
months for the duration of the Project,
and the estimated time it will take from
grant approval to beginning of Project
implementation;
(d) A written narrative that includes,
at a minimum, the following items:
(i) An explanation of why the Project
is needed, the benefits of the proposed
Project, and how the Project meets the
grant eligible purposes;
(ii) Area to be served, identifying each
governmental unit, i.e., tribe, town,
county, etc., to be affected by the
Project;
(iii) Description of how the Project
will coordinate Economic Development
activities with other Economic
Development activities within the
Project area;
(iv) Businesses to be assisted, if
appropriate, and economic development
to be accomplished;
(v) An explanation of how the
proposed Project will result in newly
created, increased, or supported jobs in
the area and the number of projected
new and supported jobs within the next
3 years;
(vi) A description of the applicant’s
demonstrated capability and experience
in providing the proposed Project
assistance, including experience of key
staff members and persons who will be
providing the proposed Project activities
and managing the Project;
(vii) The method and rationale used to
select the areas and businesses that will
receive the service;
(viii) A brief description of how the
work will be performed, including
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whether organizational staff or
consultants or contractors will be used;
and
(ix) Other information the Agency
may request to assist it in making a
grant award determination.
(e) The latest 3 years of financial
information to show the applicant’s
financial capacity to carry out the
proposed work. If the applicant is less
than 3 years old, at a minimum, the
information should include all balance
sheet(s), income statement(s), and cash
flow statement(s). A current audited
report is required if available;
(f) Documentation regarding the
availability and amount of other funds
to be used in conjunction with the funds
from RBDG;
(g) A budget which includes salaries,
fringe benefits, consultant costs, indirect
costs, and other appropriate direct costs
for the Project.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching. Matching
funds are not required.
3. Other.
Applications will only be accepted
from qualified national organizations to
provide Technical Assistance for RT.
There are no ‘‘responsiveness,’’ or
‘‘threshold’’ eligibility criteria for these
grants. There is no limit on the number
of applications an applicant may submit
under this announcement. In addition to
the forms listed under program
description, Form AD–3030
‘‘Representations Regarding Felony
Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status
for Corporate Applicants,’’ must be
completed in the affirmative.
None of the funds made available may
be used to enter into a contract,
memorandum of understanding, or
cooperative agreement with, make a
grant to, or provide a loan or loan
guarantee to, any corporation that has
any unpaid Federal tax liability that has
been assessed, for which all judicial and
administrative remedies have been
exhausted or have lapsed, and that is
not being paid in a timely manner
pursuant to an agreement with the
authority responsible for collecting the
tax liability, where the awarding agency
is aware of the unpaid tax liability,
unless a Federal agency has considered
suspension or debarment of the
corporation and has made a
determination that this further action is
not necessary to protect the interests of
the Government.
None of the funds made available may
be used to enter into a contract,
memorandum of understanding, or
cooperative agreement with, make a
grant to, or provide a loan or loan
guarantee to, any corporation that was
convicted of a felony criminal violation
under any Federal law within the
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preceding 24 months, where the
awarding agency is aware of the
conviction, unless a Federal agency has
considered suspension or debarment of
the corporation and has made a
determination that this further action is
not necessary to protect the interests of
the Government.
4. Completeness Eligibility.
Applications will not be considered
for funding if they do not provide
sufficient information to determine
eligibility or are missing required
elements.
D. Application and Submission
Information
1. Address to Request Application
Package.
For further information, entities
wishing to apply for assistance should
contact the USDA Rural Development
State Office provided in the ADDRESSES
section of this notice to obtain copies of
the application package.
Prior to official submission of grant
applications, applicants may request
technical assistance or other application
guidance from the Agency, as long as
such requests are made prior to August
16, 2018. Technical assistance is not
meant to be an analysis or assessment of
the quality of the materials submitted, a
substitute for agency review of
completed applications, nor a
determination of eligibility, if such
determination requires in-depth
analysis. The Agency will not solicit or
consider scoring or eligibility
information that is submitted after the
application deadline. The Agency
reserves the right to contact applicants
to seek clarification information on
materials contained in the submitted
application.
Applications must be submitted in
paper format. Applications submitted to
a USDA Rural Development State Office
must be received by the closing date and
local time.
2. Content and Form of Application
Submission.
An application must contain all of the
required elements. Each application
received in a USDA Rural Development
State Office will be reviewed to
determine if it is consistent with the
eligible purposes contained in section
310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1932(c)). Each selection priority
criterion outlined in 7 CFR 4280.435
must be addressed in the application.
Failure to address any of the criterion
will result in a zero-point score for that
criterion and will impact the overall
evaluation of the application. Copies of
7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, will be
provided to any interested applicant
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making a request to a USDA Rural
Development State Office.
All Projects to receive Technical
Assistance through these passenger
transportation grant funds are to be
identified when the applications are
submitted to the USDA Rural
Development State Office. Multiple
Project applications must identify each
individual Project, indicate the amount
of funding requested for each individual
Project, and address the criteria as
stated above for each individual Project.
For multiple-Project applications, the
average of the individual Project scores
will be the score for that application.
The applicant documentation and
forms needed for a complete application
are located in the Program Description
section of this notice, and 7 CFR part
4280, subpart E.
(a) There are no specific formats,
specific limitations on number of pages,
font size and type face, margins, paper
size, number of copies, and the
sequence or assembly requirements.
(b) The component pieces of this
application should contain original
signatures on the original application.
(c) Since these grants are for
Technical Assistance for transportation
purposes, no additional information
requirements other than those described
in this notice and 7 CFR part 4280,
subpart E are required.
3. Unique entity identifier and System
for Award Management.
All applicants must have a Dun and
Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering
System (DUNS) number which can be
obtained at no cost via a toll-free request
line at (866) 705–5711 or at https://
fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Each
applicant (unless the applicant is an
individual or Federal awarding agency
that is excepted from the requirements
under 2 CFR 25.110(b) or (c) or has an
exception approved by the Federal
awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d)
is required to: (i) Be registered in the
System for Award Management (SAM)
before submitting its application; (ii)
provide a valid unique entity identifier
in its application; and (iii) continue to
maintain an active SAM registration
with current information at all times
during which it has an active Federal
award or an application or plan under
consideration by a Federal awarding
agency. The Federal awarding agency
may not make a Federal award to an
applicant until the applicant has
complied with all applicable unique
entity identifier and SAM requirements
and, if an applicant has not fully
complied with the requirements by the
time the Federal awarding agency is
ready to make a Federal award, the
Federal awarding agency may determine
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that the applicant is not qualified to
receive a Federal award and use that
determination as a basis for making a
Federal award to another applicant.
4. Submission Dates and Times.
(a) Application Deadline Date: No
later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on
September 25, 2018.
Explanation of Deadlines:
Applications must be in the USDA
Rural Development State Office by the
local deadline date and time as
indicated above. If the due date falls on
a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday,
the application is due the next business
day.
(b) The deadline date means that the
completed application package must be
received in the USDA Rural
Development State Office by the
deadline date established above. All
application documents identified in this
notice are required.
(c) If complete applications are not
received by the deadline established
above, the application will neither be
reviewed nor considered under any
circumstances.
(d) The Agency will determine the
application receipt date based on the
actual date postmarked.
(e) This notice is for RT Technical
Assistance grants only and therefore,
intergovernmental reviews are not
required.
(f) These grants are for RT Technical
Assistance grants only, no construction
or equipment purchases are permitted.
If the grantee has a previously approved
indirect cost rate, it is permissible,
otherwise, the applicant may elect to
charge the 10 percent indirect cost
permitted under 2 CFR 200.414(f) or
request a determination of its Indirect
Cost Rate. Due to the time required to
evaluate Indirect Cost Rates, it is likely
that all funds will be awarded by the
time the Indirect Cost Rate is
determined. No foreign travel is
permitted. Pre-Federal award costs will
only be permitted with prior written
approval by the Agency.
(g) Applicants must submit
applications in hard copy format as
previously indicated in the Application
and Submission Information section of
this notice. If the applicant wishes to
hand deliver its application, the
addresses for these deliveries can be
located in the ADDRESSES section of this
notice.
(h) If you require alternative means of
communication for program information
(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)
please contact USDA’s TARGET Center
at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD).
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria.
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All eligible and complete applications
will be evaluated and scored based on
the selection criteria and weights
contained in 7 CFR 4280.435 and will
select grantees subject to the grantees’
satisfactory submission of the additional
items required by 7 CFR part 4280,
subpart E and the USDA Rural
Development Letter of Conditions.
Failure to address any one of the criteria
in 7 CFR 4280.435 by the application
deadline will result in the application
being determined ineligible, and the
application will not be considered for
funding. The amount of an RT grant
may be adjusted, at the Agency’s
discretion, to enable the Agency to
award RT grants to the applications
with the highest priority scores in each
category.
2. Review and Selection Process.
The State Offices will review
applications to determine if they are
eligible for assistance based on
requirements contained in 7 CFR
4280.416 and 4280.417. If determined
eligible, your application will be
submitted to the National Office.
Funding of Projects is subject to the
applicant’s satisfactory submission of
the additional items required by that
subpart and the USDA Rural
Development Letter of Conditions. The
Agency reserves the right to award
additional discretionary points under 7
CFR 4280.435(k).
In awarding discretionary points, the
Agency scoring criteria regularly assigns
points to applications that direct loans
or grants to Projects based in or serving
census tracts with poverty rates greater
than or equal to 20 percent. This
emphasis will support Rural
Development’s mission of improving the
quality of life for Rural Americans and
commitment to directing resources to
those who most need them.
F. Federal Award Administration
Information
1. Federal Award Notices.
Successful applicants will receive
notification for funding from their
USDA Rural Development State Office.
Applicants must comply with all
applicable statutes and regulations
before the grant award will be approved.
Unsuccessful applications will receive
notification by mail.
2. Administrative and National Policy
Requirements.
Additional requirements that apply to
grantees selected for this program can be
found in 7 CFR 4280.408, 4280.410, and
4280.439. Awards are subject to USDA
Departmental Grant Regulations at 2
CFR Chapter IV which incorporates the
new Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) regulations at 2 CFR part 200.
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All successful applicants will be
notified by letter, which will include a
Letter of Conditions, and a Letter of
Intent to Meet Conditions. This letter is
not an authorization to begin
performance. If the applicant wishes to
consider beginning performance prior to
the grant being officially closed, all preaward costs must be approved in
writing and in advance by the Agency.
The grant will be considered officially
awarded when all conditions in the
Letter of Conditions have been met and
the Agency obligates the funding for the
Project.
Additional requirements that apply to
grantees selected for this program can be
found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E; the
Grants and Agreements regulations of
the U.S. Department of Agriculture
codified in 2 CFR Chapter IV, and
successor regulations.
In addition, all recipients of Federal
financial assistance are required to
report information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation
(see 2 CFR part 170). You will be
required to have the necessary processes
and systems in place to comply with the
Federal Funding Accountability and
Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109–
282) reporting requirements (see 2 CFR
170.200(b), unless you are exempt under
2 CFR 170.110(b)).
The following additional
requirements apply to grantees selected
for this program:
(a) Form RD 4280–2 ‘‘Rural BusinessCooperative Service Financial
Assistance Agreement.’’
(b) Letter of Conditions.
(c) Form RD 1940–1, ‘‘Request for
Obligation of Funds.’’
(d) Form RD 1942–46, ‘‘Letter of
Intent to Meet Conditions.’’
(e) Form AD–1047, ‘‘Certification
Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and
Other Responsibility Matters–Primary
Covered Transactions.’’
(f) Form AD–1048, ‘‘Certification
Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion–
Lower Tier Covered Transactions.’’
(g) Form AD–1049, ‘‘Certification
Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace
Requirement (Grants).’’
(h) Form AD–3030, ‘‘Assurance
Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax
Delinquent Status for Corporate
Applicants.’’ Must be signed by
corporate applicants who receive an
award under this notice.
(i) Form RD 400–4, ‘‘Assurance
Agreement.’’ Each prospective recipient
must sign Form RD 400–4, Assurance
Agreement, which assures USDA that
the recipient is in compliance with Title
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 7 CFR
part 15, and other Agency regulations.
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That no person will be discriminated
against based on race, color or national
origin, in regard to any program or
activity for which the recipient receives
Federal financial assistance. That
nondiscrimination statements are in
advertisements and brochures.
Collect and maintain data provided by
recipients on race, sex, and national
origin and ensure recipients collect and
maintain this data. Race and ethnicity
data will be collected in accordance
with OMB Federal Register notice,
‘‘Revisions to the Standards for the
Classification of Federal Data on Race
and Ethnicity,’’ (62 FR 58782), October
30, 1997. Sex data will be collected in
accordance with Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972. These
items should not be submitted with the
application but should be available
upon request by the Agency.
The applicant and the ultimate
recipient must comply with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972,
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975,
Executive Order 12250, Executive Order
13166 Limited English Proficiency
(LEP), and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E.
(j) SF LLL, ‘‘Disclosure of Lobbying
Activities,’’ if applicable.
(k) Form SF 270, ‘‘Request for
Advance or Reimbursement.’’
3. Reporting.
(a) A Financial Status Report and a
Project performance activity report will
be required of all grantees on a quarterly
basis until initial funds are expended
and yearly thereafter, if applicable,
based on the Federal fiscal year. The
grantee will complete the Project within
the total time available to it in
accordance with the Scope of Work and
any necessary modifications thereof
prepared by the grantee and approved
by the Agency. A final Project
performance report will be required
with the final Financial Status Report.
The final report may serve as the last
quarterly report. The final report must
provide complete information regarding
the jobs created and supported as a
result of the grant if applicable. Grantees
must continuously monitor performance
to ensure that time schedules are being
met, projected work by time periods is
being accomplished, and other
performance objectives are being
achieved. Grantees must submit an
original of each report to the Agency no
later than 30 days after the end of the
quarter. The Project performance reports
must include, but not be limited to, the
following:
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(1) A comparison of actual
accomplishments to the objectives
established for that period;
(2) Problems, delays, or adverse
conditions, if any, which have affected
or will affect attainment of overall
Project objectives, prevent meeting time
schedules or objectives, or preclude the
attainment of particular Project work
elements during established time
periods. This disclosure shall be
accompanied by a statement of the
action taken or planned to resolve the
situation;
(3) Objectives and timetable
established for the next reporting
period;
(4) Any special reporting
requirements, such as jobs supported
and created, businesses assisted, or
Economic Development which results in
improvements in median household
incomes, and any other specific
requirements, should be placed in the
reporting section in the Letter of
Conditions; and
(5) Within 90 days after the
conclusion of the Project, the grantee
will provide a final Project evaluation
report. The last quarterly payment will
be withheld until the final report is
received and approved by the Agency.
Even though the grantee may request
reimbursement on a monthly basis, the
last 3 months of reimbursements will be
withheld until a final Project, Project
performance, and financial status report
are received and approved by the
Agency.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
For general questions about this
announcement, please contact your
USDA Rural Development State Office
provided in the ADDRESSES section of
this notice.
H. Civil Rights Requirements
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
All grants made under this notice are
subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR
part 15, subpart A) and Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VIII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX,
Executive Order 13166 (Limited English
Proficiency), Executive Order 11246,
and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of
1974.
I. Other Information
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, the information
collection requirement contained in this
notice is approved by OMB under OMB
Control Number 0570–0070.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:58 Jun 26, 2018
Jkt 244001
Federal Funding Accountability and
Transparency Act
All applicants, in accordance with 2
CFR part 25, must have a DUNS
number, which can be obtained at no
cost via a toll-free request line at (866)
705–5711 or online at https://
fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Similarly, all
applicants must be registered in SAM
prior to submitting an application.
Applicants may register for the SAM at
https://www.sam.gov. All recipients of
Federal financial assistance are required
to report information about first-tier
sub-awards and executive total
compensation in accordance with 2 CFR
part 170.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil
rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights
regulations and policies, the USDA, its
Agencies, offices, and employees, and
institutions participating in or
administering USDA programs are
prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
gender identity (including gender
expression), sexual orientation,
disability, age, marital status, family/
parental status, income derived from a
public assistance program, political
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior
civil rights activity, in any program or
activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs).
Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means of communication for
program information (e.g., Braille, large
print, audiotape, American Sign
Language, etc.) should contact the
responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET
Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and
TTY) or contact USDA through the
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.
Additionally, program information may
be made available in languages other
than English.
To file a program discrimination
complaint, complete the USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form, AD
3027, found online at https://
www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_
cust.html and at any USDA office or
write a letter addressed to USDA and
provide in the letter all of the
information requested in the form. To
request a copy of the complaint form,
call (866) 632–9992. Submit your
completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20250–9410;
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
(2) Fax: (202) 690–7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider,
employer, and lender.
Dated: June 20, 2018.
Bette B. Brand,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–13752 Filed 6–26–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service
Notice of Solicitation of Applications
for Section 514 Farm Labor Housing
Loans and Section 516 Farm Labor
Housing Grants for Off-Farm Housing
for Fiscal Year 2018
Rural Housing Service, USDA.
Notice.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Rural Housing Service
(RHS) announces the timeframe to
submit pre-applications for Section 514
Farm Labor Housing (FLH) loans and
Section 516 FLH grants for the
construction of new off-farm FLH units
and related facilities for domestic farm
laborers and for the purchase and
substantial rehabilitation of non-FLH
property. The intended purpose of the
loans and grants are to increase the
number of available housing units for
domestic farm laborers. This Notice
describes the method used to distribute
funds, the application process, and
submission requirements.
The Agency will publish the amount
of funding received from the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018
(Pub. L. 115–141, March 23, 2018) on its
website at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/
newsroom/notices-solicitationapplications-nosas. Expenses incurred
in developing applications will be at the
applicant’s risk.
Pursuant to section 759 of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018
(Pub. L. 115–141, March 23, 2018), the
Agency will set aside 10 percent of the
FLH funds for project proposals in
persistent poverty counties. The Agency
will also assign additional points to preapplications for projects based in or
serving census tracts with poverty rates
equal to or greater than 20 percent over
the last 30 years. This emphasis will
support Rural Development’s mission of
improving the quality of life for rural
Americans and commitment to directing
resources to those who most need them.
DATES: The deadline for receipt of all
applications in response to this Notice
is 5:00 p.m., local time to the
appropriate Rural Development State
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\27JNN1.SGM
27JNN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 124 (Wednesday, June 27, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30102-30106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-13752]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Inviting Applications for the Rural Business Development Grant
Program To Provide Technical Assistance for Rural Transportation
Systems
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice is to invite applications for grants to provide
Technical Assistance for Rural Transportation (RT) systems under the
Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) to provide Technical Assistance
for RT systems and for RT systems to Federally Recognized Native
American Tribes' (FRNAT) (collectively ``Programs'') and the terms
provided in such funding. Successful applications will be selected by
the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded from funds appropriated
for the RBDG program.
DATES: See under Supplementary Information section.
ADDRESSES: Submit applications in paper format to the USDA Rural
Development State Office for the State where the Project is located. A
list of the USDA Rural Development State Office contacts can be found
at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Mason at (202) 690-1433,
[email protected], and Sami Zarour at (202) 720-9549,
[email protected], Specialty Programs Division, Business
Programs, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, MS 3226, Room 4204-South,
Washington, DC 20250-3226, or call 202-720-1400. For further
information on this notice, please contact the USDA Rural Development
State Office in the State in which the applicant's headquarters is
located.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Preface
The Agency encourages applications that will support
recommendations made in the Rural Prosperity Task Force report to help
improve life in rural America. www.usda.gov/ruralprosperity. Applicants
are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in
helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies
through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships and
innovation. Key strategies include:
Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America
Developing the Rural Economy
Harnessing Technological Innovation
Supporting a Rural Workforce
Improving Quality of Life
All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in
developing their applications.
Overview
Solicitation Opportunity Title: Rural Business Development Grants.
Announcement Type: Initial Announcement.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 10.351.
Dates: Completed applications must be received in the USDA Rural
Development State Office no later than 4:30 p.m. (local time) on
September 25, 2018, to be eligible for FY 2018 grant funding.
Applications received after this date will not be eligible for FY 2018
grant funding.
A. Program Description
1. Purpose of the Program. The purpose of this program is to
improve the economic conditions of Rural Areas.
2. Statutory Authority. This program is authorized under section
310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C.
1932(c)). Regulations are contained in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E. The
program is administered on behalf of Rural Business-Cooperative Service
(RBS) at the State level by the USDA Rural Development State Offices.
Assistance provided to Rural Areas under the program has historically
included the provision of on-site Technical Assistance to local and
regional governments, public transit agencies, and related nonprofit
and for-profit organizations in Rural Areas; the development of
training materials; and the provision of necessary training assistance
to local officials and agencies in Rural Areas.
Awards under the RBDG passenger transportation program will be made
on a competitive basis using specific selection criteria contained in 7
CFR part 4280, subpart E, and in accordance with section 310B(c) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)).
Information required to be in the application package includes Standard
Form (SF) 424, ``Application for Federal Assistance;'' environmental
documentation in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970, ``Environmental
Policies and Procedures;'' Scope of Work Narrative; Income Statement;
Balance Sheet or Audit for previous 3 years; AD-1047, ``Debarment/
Suspension Certification;'' AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding
Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion;'' AD-
1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements;'' SF
LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities;'' RD 400-1, ``Equal
Opportunity Agreement;'' RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement;'' and a
letter providing Board authorization to obtain assistance. For the
FRNAT grant, which must benefit FRNATs, at least 75 percent of the
benefits of the Project must be received by members of FRNATs. The
Project that scores the greatest number of points based on the RBDG
selection criteria and the discretionary points will be selected for
each grant.
For the funding for Technical Assistance for RT systems, applicants
must be qualified national organizations with experience in providing
Technical Assistance and training to rural communities nationwide for
the purpose of improving passenger
[[Page 30103]]
transportation service or facilities. To be considered ``national,''
RBS requires a qualified organization to provide evidence that it can
operate RT assistance programming nation-wide. An entity can qualify if
they can work in partnership with other entities to fulfill the
national requirement as long as the applicant will have ultimate
control of the grant administration. For the funding for RT systems to
FRNATs, an entity can qualify if they can work in partnership with
other entities to support all federally recognized tribes in all
states, as long as the applicant will have ultimate control of the
grant administration. There is not a requirement to use the grant funds
in a multi-State area. Grants will be made to qualified national
organizations for the provision of Technical Assistance and training to
Rural communities for the purpose of improving passenger transportation
services or facilities.
3. Definition of Terms. The definitions applicable to this notice
are published at 7 CFR 4280.403.
4. Application Awards. The Agency will review, evaluate, and score
applications received in response to this notice based on the
provisions in 7 CFR 4280, subpart E and as indicated in this notice.
However, the Agency advises all interested parties that the applicant
bears the burden in preparing and submitting an application in response
to this notice.
B. Federal Award Information
Type of Award: Grants.
Fiscal Year Funds: FY 2018.
Available Funds: Anyone interested in submitting an application for
funding under this program is encouraged to consult the Rural
Development Web Newsroom website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas for funding information.
Approximate Number of Awards: To be determined based on the number
of qualified applications received. Historically two awards have been
made.
Expected Amounts of Individual Awards and Amount of Funding per
Federal Award: $500,000 and $250,000 depending on the number of
applicants.
Maximum Awards: A total of $500,000 will be awarded for technical
assistance for rural transportation systems and a maximum of $250,000
for FRNATs.
Award Date: Prior to September 30, 2018.
Performance Period: October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019.
Renewal or Supplemental Awards: None.
C. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants.
To be considered eligible, an entity must be a qualified national
organization serving Rural Areas as evidenced in its organizational
documents and demonstrated experience, per 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E.
Grants will be competitively awarded to qualified national
organizations.
The Agency requires the following information to make an
eligibility determination that an applicant is a national organization.
These applications must include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) An original and one copy of SF 424, ``Application for Federal
Assistance (for non-construction);''
(b) Copies of applicant's organizational documents showing the
applicant's legal existence and authority to perform the activities
under the grant;
(c) A proposed scope of work, including a description of the
proposed Project, details of the proposed activities to be accomplished
and timeframes for completion of each task, the number of months for
the duration of the Project, and the estimated time it will take from
grant approval to beginning of Project implementation;
(d) A written narrative that includes, at a minimum, the following
items:
(i) An explanation of why the Project is needed, the benefits of
the proposed Project, and how the Project meets the grant eligible
purposes;
(ii) Area to be served, identifying each governmental unit, i.e.,
tribe, town, county, etc., to be affected by the Project;
(iii) Description of how the Project will coordinate Economic
Development activities with other Economic Development activities
within the Project area;
(iv) Businesses to be assisted, if appropriate, and economic
development to be accomplished;
(v) An explanation of how the proposed Project will result in newly
created, increased, or supported jobs in the area and the number of
projected new and supported jobs within the next 3 years;
(vi) A description of the applicant's demonstrated capability and
experience in providing the proposed Project assistance, including
experience of key staff members and persons who will be providing the
proposed Project activities and managing the Project;
(vii) The method and rationale used to select the areas and
businesses that will receive the service;
(viii) A brief description of how the work will be performed,
including whether organizational staff or consultants or contractors
will be used; and
(ix) Other information the Agency may request to assist it in
making a grant award determination.
(e) The latest 3 years of financial information to show the
applicant's financial capacity to carry out the proposed work. If the
applicant is less than 3 years old, at a minimum, the information
should include all balance sheet(s), income statement(s), and cash flow
statement(s). A current audited report is required if available;
(f) Documentation regarding the availability and amount of other
funds to be used in conjunction with the funds from RBDG;
(g) A budget which includes salaries, fringe benefits, consultant
costs, indirect costs, and other appropriate direct costs for the
Project.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching. Matching funds are not required.
3. Other.
Applications will only be accepted from qualified national
organizations to provide Technical Assistance for RT. There are no
``responsiveness,'' or ``threshold'' eligibility criteria for these
grants. There is no limit on the number of applications an applicant
may submit under this announcement. In addition to the forms listed
under program description, Form AD-3030 ``Representations Regarding
Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants,''
must be completed in the affirmative.
None of the funds made available may be used to enter into a
contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with,
make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any
corporation that has any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been
assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been
exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner
pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting
the tax liability, where the awarding agency is aware of the unpaid tax
liability, unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or
debarment of the corporation and has made a determination that this
further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the
Government.
None of the funds made available may be used to enter into a
contract, memorandum of understanding, or cooperative agreement with,
make a grant to, or provide a loan or loan guarantee to, any
corporation that was convicted of a felony criminal violation under any
Federal law within the
[[Page 30104]]
preceding 24 months, where the awarding agency is aware of the
conviction, unless a Federal agency has considered suspension or
debarment of the corporation and has made a determination that this
further action is not necessary to protect the interests of the
Government.
4. Completeness Eligibility.
Applications will not be considered for funding if they do not
provide sufficient information to determine eligibility or are missing
required elements.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package.
For further information, entities wishing to apply for assistance
should contact the USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice to obtain copies of the application
package.
Prior to official submission of grant applications, applicants may
request technical assistance or other application guidance from the
Agency, as long as such requests are made prior to August 16, 2018.
Technical assistance is not meant to be an analysis or assessment of
the quality of the materials submitted, a substitute for agency review
of completed applications, nor a determination of eligibility, if such
determination requires in-depth analysis. The Agency will not solicit
or consider scoring or eligibility information that is submitted after
the application deadline. The Agency reserves the right to contact
applicants to seek clarification information on materials contained in
the submitted application.
Applications must be submitted in paper format. Applications
submitted to a USDA Rural Development State Office must be received by
the closing date and local time.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission.
An application must contain all of the required elements. Each
application received in a USDA Rural Development State Office will be
reviewed to determine if it is consistent with the eligible purposes
contained in section 310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c)). Each selection priority criterion
outlined in 7 CFR 4280.435 must be addressed in the application.
Failure to address any of the criterion will result in a zero-point
score for that criterion and will impact the overall evaluation of the
application. Copies of 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E, will be provided to
any interested applicant making a request to a USDA Rural Development
State Office.
All Projects to receive Technical Assistance through these
passenger transportation grant funds are to be identified when the
applications are submitted to the USDA Rural Development State Office.
Multiple Project applications must identify each individual Project,
indicate the amount of funding requested for each individual Project,
and address the criteria as stated above for each individual Project.
For multiple-Project applications, the average of the individual
Project scores will be the score for that application.
The applicant documentation and forms needed for a complete
application are located in the Program Description section of this
notice, and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E.
(a) There are no specific formats, specific limitations on number
of pages, font size and type face, margins, paper size, number of
copies, and the sequence or assembly requirements.
(b) The component pieces of this application should contain
original signatures on the original application.
(c) Since these grants are for Technical Assistance for
transportation purposes, no additional information requirements other
than those described in this notice and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E are
required.
3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management.
All applicants must have a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number which can be obtained at no cost via a
toll-free request line at (866) 705-5711 or at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or
Federal awarding agency that is excepted from the requirements under 2
CFR 25.110(b) or (c) or has an exception approved by the Federal
awarding agency under 2 CFR 25.110(d) is required to: (i) Be registered
in the System for Award Management (SAM) before submitting its
application; (ii) provide a valid unique entity identifier in its
application; and (iii) continue to maintain an active SAM registration
with current information at all times during which it has an active
Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a
Federal awarding agency. The Federal awarding agency may not make a
Federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all
applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements and, if an
applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the
Federal awarding agency is ready to make a Federal award, the Federal
awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to
receive a Federal award and use that determination as a basis for
making a Federal award to another applicant.
4. Submission Dates and Times.
(a) Application Deadline Date: No later than 4:30 p.m. (local time)
on September 25, 2018.
Explanation of Deadlines: Applications must be in the USDA Rural
Development State Office by the local deadline date and time as
indicated above. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or
Federal holiday, the application is due the next business day.
(b) The deadline date means that the completed application package
must be received in the USDA Rural Development State Office by the
deadline date established above. All application documents identified
in this notice are required.
(c) If complete applications are not received by the deadline
established above, the application will neither be reviewed nor
considered under any circumstances.
(d) The Agency will determine the application receipt date based on
the actual date postmarked.
(e) This notice is for RT Technical Assistance grants only and
therefore, intergovernmental reviews are not required.
(f) These grants are for RT Technical Assistance grants only, no
construction or equipment purchases are permitted. If the grantee has a
previously approved indirect cost rate, it is permissible, otherwise,
the applicant may elect to charge the 10 percent indirect cost
permitted under 2 CFR 200.414(f) or request a determination of its
Indirect Cost Rate. Due to the time required to evaluate Indirect Cost
Rates, it is likely that all funds will be awarded by the time the
Indirect Cost Rate is determined. No foreign travel is permitted. Pre-
Federal award costs will only be permitted with prior written approval
by the Agency.
(g) Applicants must submit applications in hard copy format as
previously indicated in the Application and Submission Information
section of this notice. If the applicant wishes to hand deliver its
application, the addresses for these deliveries can be located in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice.
(h) If you require alternative means of communication for program
information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please
contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria.
[[Page 30105]]
All eligible and complete applications will be evaluated and scored
based on the selection criteria and weights contained in 7 CFR 4280.435
and will select grantees subject to the grantees' satisfactory
submission of the additional items required by 7 CFR part 4280, subpart
E and the USDA Rural Development Letter of Conditions. Failure to
address any one of the criteria in 7 CFR 4280.435 by the application
deadline will result in the application being determined ineligible,
and the application will not be considered for funding. The amount of
an RT grant may be adjusted, at the Agency's discretion, to enable the
Agency to award RT grants to the applications with the highest priority
scores in each category.
2. Review and Selection Process.
The State Offices will review applications to determine if they are
eligible for assistance based on requirements contained in 7 CFR
4280.416 and 4280.417. If determined eligible, your application will be
submitted to the National Office. Funding of Projects is subject to the
applicant's satisfactory submission of the additional items required by
that subpart and the USDA Rural Development Letter of Conditions. The
Agency reserves the right to award additional discretionary points
under 7 CFR 4280.435(k).
In awarding discretionary points, the Agency scoring criteria
regularly assigns points to applications that direct loans or grants to
Projects based in or serving census tracts with poverty rates greater
than or equal to 20 percent. This emphasis will support Rural
Development's mission of improving the quality of life for Rural
Americans and commitment to directing resources to those who most need
them.
F. Federal Award Administration Information
1. Federal Award Notices.
Successful applicants will receive notification for funding from
their USDA Rural Development State Office. Applicants must comply with
all applicable statutes and regulations before the grant award will be
approved. Unsuccessful applications will receive notification by mail.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this
program can be found in 7 CFR 4280.408, 4280.410, and 4280.439. Awards
are subject to USDA Departmental Grant Regulations at 2 CFR Chapter IV
which incorporates the new Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
regulations at 2 CFR part 200.
All successful applicants will be notified by letter, which will
include a Letter of Conditions, and a Letter of Intent to Meet
Conditions. This letter is not an authorization to begin performance.
If the applicant wishes to consider beginning performance prior to the
grant being officially closed, all pre-award costs must be approved in
writing and in advance by the Agency. The grant will be considered
officially awarded when all conditions in the Letter of Conditions have
been met and the Agency obligates the funding for the Project.
Additional requirements that apply to grantees selected for this
program can be found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart E; the Grants and
Agreements regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture codified
in 2 CFR Chapter IV, and successor regulations.
In addition, all recipients of Federal financial assistance are
required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and
executive compensation (see 2 CFR part 170). You will be required to
have the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Pub. L.
109-282) reporting requirements (see 2 CFR 170.200(b), unless you are
exempt under 2 CFR 170.110(b)).
The following additional requirements apply to grantees selected
for this program:
(a) Form RD 4280-2 ``Rural Business-Cooperative Service Financial
Assistance Agreement.''
(b) Letter of Conditions.
(c) Form RD 1940-1, ``Request for Obligation of Funds.''
(d) Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions.''
(e) Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
and Other Responsibility Matters-Primary Covered Transactions.''
(f) Form AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension,
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered
Transactions.''
(g) Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding a Drug-Free Workplace
Requirement (Grants).''
(h) Form AD-3030, ``Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax
Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants.'' Must be signed by
corporate applicants who receive an award under this notice.
(i) Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.'' Each prospective
recipient must sign Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement, which assures
USDA that the recipient is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, 7 CFR part 15, and other Agency regulations. That
no person will be discriminated against based on race, color or
national origin, in regard to any program or activity for which the
recipient receives Federal financial assistance. That nondiscrimination
statements are in advertisements and brochures.
Collect and maintain data provided by recipients on race, sex, and
national origin and ensure recipients collect and maintain this data.
Race and ethnicity data will be collected in accordance with OMB
Federal Register notice, ``Revisions to the Standards for the
Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity,'' (62 FR 58782),
October 30, 1997. Sex data will be collected in accordance with Title
IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. These items should not be
submitted with the application but should be available upon request by
the Agency.
The applicant and the ultimate recipient must comply with Title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Executive
Order 12250, Executive Order 13166 Limited English Proficiency (LEP),
and 7 CFR part 1901, subpart E.
(j) SF LLL, ``Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,'' if applicable.
(k) Form SF 270, ``Request for Advance or Reimbursement.''
3. Reporting.
(a) A Financial Status Report and a Project performance activity
report will be required of all grantees on a quarterly basis until
initial funds are expended and yearly thereafter, if applicable, based
on the Federal fiscal year. The grantee will complete the Project
within the total time available to it in accordance with the Scope of
Work and any necessary modifications thereof prepared by the grantee
and approved by the Agency. A final Project performance report will be
required with the final Financial Status Report. The final report may
serve as the last quarterly report. The final report must provide
complete information regarding the jobs created and supported as a
result of the grant if applicable. Grantees must continuously monitor
performance to ensure that time schedules are being met, projected work
by time periods is being accomplished, and other performance objectives
are being achieved. Grantees must submit an original of each report to
the Agency no later than 30 days after the end of the quarter. The
Project performance reports must include, but not be limited to, the
following:
[[Page 30106]]
(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives
established for that period;
(2) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions, if any, which have
affected or will affect attainment of overall Project objectives,
prevent meeting time schedules or objectives, or preclude the
attainment of particular Project work elements during established time
periods. This disclosure shall be accompanied by a statement of the
action taken or planned to resolve the situation;
(3) Objectives and timetable established for the next reporting
period;
(4) Any special reporting requirements, such as jobs supported and
created, businesses assisted, or Economic Development which results in
improvements in median household incomes, and any other specific
requirements, should be placed in the reporting section in the Letter
of Conditions; and
(5) Within 90 days after the conclusion of the Project, the grantee
will provide a final Project evaluation report. The last quarterly
payment will be withheld until the final report is received and
approved by the Agency. Even though the grantee may request
reimbursement on a monthly basis, the last 3 months of reimbursements
will be withheld until a final Project, Project performance, and
financial status report are received and approved by the Agency.
G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)
For general questions about this announcement, please contact your
USDA Rural Development State Office provided in the ADDRESSES section
of this notice.
H. Civil Rights Requirements
All grants made under this notice are subject to Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 as required by the USDA (7 CFR part 15,
subpart A) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title
VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title IX, Executive Order 13166
(Limited English Proficiency), Executive Order 11246, and the Equal
Credit Opportunity Act of 1974.
I. Other Information
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
information collection requirement contained in this notice is approved
by OMB under OMB Control Number 0570-0070.
Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
All applicants, in accordance with 2 CFR part 25, must have a DUNS
number, which can be obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line
at (866) 705-5711 or online at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
Similarly, all applicants must be registered in SAM prior to submitting
an application. Applicants may register for the SAM at https://www.sam.gov. All recipients of Federal financial assistance are
required to report information about first-tier sub-awards and
executive total compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing
deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print,
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible
Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or
contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages
other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD 3027, found online at https://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or
write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint
form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA
by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: [email protected]. USDA is an equal opportunity
provider, employer, and lender.
Dated: June 20, 2018.
Bette B. Brand,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-13752 Filed 6-26-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P
